Why Non-Marvel and DC Superheroes Deserve a Comeback in Gaming

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Thanks to series like the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you can’t swing a cat without hitting a superhero these days! Although the franchise might be experiencing some setbacks, movies such as Deadpool and Wolverine, along with Marvel Rivals, demonstrate that Marvel’s extensive library of characters isn’t going out of style any time soon. It’s true that DC hasn’t had a major success in a while, but it’s still pushing forward with the DC Universe. On one hand, this is fantastic news for fans of these intellectual properties; on the other, it appears to be overshadowing original superhero stories.

For quite some time, video game franchises were comparable to Marvel and DC superheroes in popularity. However, it appears that these game titles have been overshadowed lately by new adventures featuring the main characters from Marvel or DC. Consequently, rather than delving into a universe like “Infamous”, gamers are finding themselves embodying Spider-Man. Though these new experiences are enjoyable, the original stories deserve their time in the spotlight as well.

Non-Marvel and DC Superheroes Deserve Their Time in the Spotlight

The Industry Used to Have a Couple Original Superhero Tales

At one point, numerous studios endeavored to create their unique superhero-themed video game series. Radical Entertainment offered the Prototype series, Sucker Punch guided players on thrilling journeys through Infamous, and Xbox Game Studios empowered gamers with its Crackdown franchise. Additionally, a variety of online experiences were introduced, like City of Heroes, Champions Online, and others, including Saints Row dipping into the market with Saints Row 4.

As a gaming enthusiast, it feels like every corner I turn offers up another superhero game. Not all of them are top-notch, but there’s plenty of fun to be had here. The Infamous series is often hailed as the cream of the crop when it comes to superhero games, and nothing quite compares to the unique experience offered by Prototype. And let’s not forget that first Crackdown – it’s a game that will forever hold a special place in my heart. Yet, despite their success, it seems these franchises have reached their end.

Those Tales Seem to be Getting Phased Out for Marvel and DC Characters

Many popular game series have been quiet for some time now, giving the impression that they may never return. For instance, the last installment of the Prototype series was released in 2012, Sucker Punch hasn’t worked on Infamous since Infamous First Light in 2014, and Crackdown 3 seemed to end the franchise in 2019. Moreover, City of Heroes and Champions Online have closed down, while the Saints Row franchise underwent a complete overhaul in 2022, which unfortunately led to the studio’s closure.

Instead, players are now enjoying Marvel and DC stories as Sony has opted for Marvel’s Spider-Man over Infamous, Arkane is developing Marvel’s Blade, and online games like Marvel Rivals seem to dominate the shooter genre. Meanwhile, DC is preparing numerous adventures with Wonder Woman from Monolith on the horizon. While these sound exciting, it’s crucial not to neglect other franchises in the process.

The classic superhero series can continue to outshine in the presence of larger Marvel and DC productions. However, it’s understandable that they might not receive as much focus because they hail from smaller comic book companies. Nevertheless, these series still offer a unique charm; not only do they provide top-notch superhero adventures, but they also dared to explore territories that the other titles have yet to traverse.

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2025-01-20 03:53